Crane Cams

Since 1953, Crane Cams has been synonymous with high-performance valvetrain engineering and racing heritage. Founded by Harvey J. Crane, Jr. as Crane Engineering Company, the brand began in a corner of his father's machine shop in Hallandale, Florida, where Harvey experimented with modified camshafts to extract more power from his flathead Ford engines. What started as a racer's passion project quickly evolved into one of the world's most respected manufacturers of performance engine components.

The company's breakthrough came early in the drag racing world. At the 1961 NHRA nationals, a dragster using Crane roller cams was piloted by "Sneaky" Pete Robinson to the Top Eliminator award, establishing the brand's reputation among serious competitors. That legacy extends across all forms of motorsports—NASCAR teams, drag racers, road course competitors, and street performance enthusiasts have relied on Crane's precision-engineered valvetrain solutions for over seven decades.

Engineering Excellence in Valvetrain Components

Crane Cams specializes in the critical components that control valve timing and lift in internal combustion engines. Their engine camshafts form the heart of any valvetrain system, with profiles designed for everything from mild street performance to all-out racing applications. In 1965 Crane pioneered the use of computers in camshaft design, giving them a technological edge that continues today with advanced lobe profiles optimized for specific rpm ranges and performance goals.

Supporting those camshafts are Crane's engine valve lifter kits, which translate cam lobe motion into valve actuation. Their retrofit hydraulic roller lifters became an industry benchmark, offering reduced friction and improved durability compared to flat-tappet designs. Completing the valvetrain system are their engine rocker arm kits, manufactured to exacting tolerances to ensure precise valve control even at high engine speeds.

From Daytona Beach to the Winner's Circle

In 1986 the business moved to Daytona Beach, Florida to their expanded facility, where the company continues operations today. The Daytona Beach location places Crane Cams in the heart of American motorsports culture, just miles from the historic Daytona International Speedway. The company is well known in high-performance and racing circles for its line of camshafts and engine valve train components, with products that have powered winners in drag racing, circle track, road racing, and engine-building competitions worldwide.

Whether you're building a numbers-matching restoration, upgrading a street performance engine, or assembling a dedicated race motor, Crane Cams delivers the valvetrain precision and durability that serious builders demand. Their decades of racing success and engineering innovation ensure that every component meets the exacting standards required for reliable high-performance operation.